Hotshot Racing Reviews

Hotshot Racing is ranked in the 63rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
80 / 100
Oct 7, 2020

Hotshot Racing is a long-awaited game and, at times, it seemed that it was not going to come to fruition. Thanks surely to the alliance with Curve Digital and the invaluable collaboration with Sumo Digital, we finally have a game that promises to bring us the flavor of the driving arcades of the 90s to our current platforms and, although there will be users who may prefer to continue reliving the classics, if you prefer to expand your options here is a recommended one that would not clash between the games of the time.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 28, 2020

I was surprised by how much I liked Hotshot Racing. It’s not normally my type of game but I had a lot of fun with it on the Nintendo Switch. I think that those that enjoy arcade racers should definitely check it out.

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8 / 10
Sep 23, 2020

In short, Hotshot Racing is great. As someone who never really sticks with racing games for long, I can honestly see myself coming back to this one a lot. It’s just so much fun to pick up and play. Drifting is so satisfying and the different modes add some variation. With free content coming in the future and a rock hard trophy list, there is always more to strive for. In terms of over-the-top arcade gameplay, this is my favourite racer on PlayStation 4.

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4 / 5.0
Sep 13, 2020

The quips from the racers, the announcer yelling “CHECKPOINT!” every time you cross over one, and even the music evoke the feeling of sitting down in a seat of an old racing cabinet, putting some quarters in, gripping the steering wheel, and mashing the gas pedal. Of course, the wheel and seat will be missing in most home racing experiences, Hotshot Racing is still plenty of fun without them. If you want to take a short trip back in time to the ’90s, this is one ride you won’t want to miss.

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8 / 10.0
Sep 8, 2020

Hotshot Racing does very well with its proposed role: to be a fun arcade game inspired by the 32-bit era. This is a beautiful example of a perfect choice for those weekend afternoons to play on the couch with friends, as it was in the old days.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 9, 2020

Fans of classic arcade racers from the 90s will feel right at home with Hotshot Racing. Lucky Mountain have clearly demonstrated an understanding of what made those games so great while adding just enough modern modes and systems to allow for both better re-playability and player engagement.

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8 / 10
Sep 8, 2020

HotShot Racing is a must buy if you are looking to rekindle your love affair with arcade racers. Just be prepared to battle the rubber banding for the finish line.

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Sep 15, 2020

Retro racers definitely don't get much better than Hotshot Racing so if you have a fondness for racing in the '90s, you're sure to love it.

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8 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2020

Hotshot Racing is an ode to oldschool arcade racers. It brings a lot of fun along with very little content.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

80 / 100
Sep 22, 2020

Hotshot Racing is a great racing game and a beautiful tribute to the classics of the 90s. However, in addition to its gameplay being simple, the number of tracks is low and therefore it appears to be a small title, despite having a considerable number of modes for the genre.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 13, 2020

Hotshot Racing is a stylish, fast, fluid, arcade racing game that brought back memories of some classic titles. The sense of speed it delivers is satisfying and sliding around corners to build up my boost never got old. Some things need to be done about the rubberbanding AI and some more variety in the track layouts will be welcome. Fans of Daytona USA, Outrun, and similar games should have no doubts about giving Hotshot Racing some gas.

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8 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2020

If, like me, you’ve been waiting what feels like forever for a new Ridge Racer game to be announced, I really do recommend that you give Hotshot Racing a go.

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8 / 10
Sep 8, 2020

If the look of Hotshot Racing appeals to you and you can appreciate the aesthetic delights of something that looks deliberately low-fi and polygonal, the action it offers on the track does an excellent job of backing up the game's style with substance. It may have its quirks and it may turn you into a paranoid conspiracy theorist ready to tell tales of rubber-banding to anyone who'll listen to you, but hey: that just adds to the authenticity of the era it's based on. This is a fine racing title that truly nails its driving mechanics and delivers an exhilarating experience that will captivate newcomers and veterans alike.

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Ken McKown
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Sep 17, 2020

Hotshot Racing is an incredible nostalgia trip that I cannot recommend enough. Game Pass owners should note that the game is included in Microsoft’s service, so there is no excuse not to give it a try. This is the most fun I have had with a racing game in quite some time.

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8 / 10
Sep 8, 2020

Hotshot Racing is an unapologetic return to arcade action, and it's brilliant fun. This game's charming retro aesthetic, sweeping powerslides, and glorious handling are a constant joy, and a perfect antithesis to the myriad simulators on PS4. Some might find the courses don't provide much of a challenge, and we'd gladly have taken a little more content, but you'll be hard pushed to find a better example of straight-up arcade racing this generation.

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Sep 9, 2020

Feel the polygonal burn as super-speed graphics bring old-fashioned car chases a fresh thrill

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84 / 100
Sep 8, 2020

Hotshot Racing is exactly the kind of racing game that I've missed for a while. It reminds me of the great racers of my youth but is modernized in every suitable way - apart from the AI, probably. There are also some technical hiccups on PS4 Pro.

Review in German | Read full review

85 / 100
Sep 17, 2020

It’s been a while since we saw a proper ‘arcade racing game’. The intentional polygon graphics is the key reminiscent feature of this game. Despite the looks, the game can keep up a consistent 60FPS and provides a smooth racing experience. Since it’s strictly an arcade style racer, the most pointed out element would be the fun and enjoyment instead of competition. If you’ve played any of the 90s arcade racing games, you’ll feel right at home soon after playing the first lap of Hotshot Racing.

Review in Korean | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 21, 2020

Hotshot Racing is a rare and precious work, that harkens to the spirit of 90s racing games without being bound by it. A great title for players of all ages and backgrounds, its modern and fresh driving system provides endless joy, challenge and enjoyment. And it has both local and online multiplayer!

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.6 / 10.0
Oct 4, 2020

Hotshot Racing follows the lead of classic arcade racers like Out Run and Daytona USA, with a colorful and detailed low-poly look and highly enjoyable gameplay. Lots of modes, including 4 player split-screen and online play, make it a very satisfying experience. A game every racing games lover should try, at least via Xbox Game Pass.

Review in Italian | Read full review